Our Team

At Mind Dynamics LLC in Plainville, our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals brings together decades of experience in addiction treatment, mental health, and family systems work. We provide compassionate, evidence-based outpatient care to individuals and families across central Connecticut. We are also a VA Community Care Network (CCN) participating provider, offering partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient detox services for Veterans.

Our team works collaboratively using the LEAP Process (Life Extraordinary Approach Process) to address not only substance use but also the emotional, relational, and family patterns that often keep people stuck. We believe that healing happens in relationship, with self, family, and community.

Judith Briggs FNP-BC PMHNP-BC - Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner at Mind Dynamics LLC

Judith Briggs, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric & Family Nurse Practitioner | Clinical Leadership

Judith is a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC and PMHNP-BC) with over 25 years of experience providing comprehensive care to individuals with complex medical and psychiatric conditions. She currently manages a team of APRNs at Optum Clinical Services, specializing in skilled nursing facility care for patients with serious mental illness and chronic medical conditions. Judith is passionate about developing clinicians and ensuring families in central Connecticut receive coordinated, compassionate support.

Education: PMHNP – Johns Hopkins University | MSN-FNP – San Francisco State University | BSN – Georgia State University

Specialties: Complex Medical + Psychiatric Care, Medication Management, Clinical Leadership, Skilled Nursing Facility Psychiatry

Alfred Greenleaf LADC LMSW CAC ICADC - Lead Therapist at Mind Dynamics LLC

Alfred Greenleaf, LADC, LMSW, CAC, ICADC

Lead Therapist | Substance Use & Family Systems Specialist

Alfred is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Licensed Master Social Worker with extensive experience in intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and family therapy. He has worked at High Watch Recovery Center and Natchaug Hospital, specializing in substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma-informed care, and family reunification work. Alfred brings a strong family-systems approach that helps clients and their loved ones heal together.

Education: MSW – Springfield College | BS Business Administration – Southern New Hampshire University

Specialties: IOP & PHP Treatment, Family Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Domestic Violence Intervention, Relapse Prevention

Julie Hoagland LCSW - Clinical Social Worker at Mind Dynamics LLC

Julie Hoagland, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker | Integrative Behavioral Health Specialist

Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, clinical social work, and program management. She brings extensive expertise in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, domestic violence intervention, and family systems work. Julie currently maintains a private telehealth practice providing therapy to youth, adolescents, and adults. She previously served as Clinical Supervisor for an IICAPS program and as Domestic Violence Program Manager at United Services. Julie also held leadership roles at Hartford Hospital, overseeing addiction and mental health services.

Education: MSW – University of Connecticut | BS Human Services – Springfield College

Specialties: Trauma-Informed Care, Eating Disorders & Body Image, CBT & DBT, Addiction & Mental Health, Crisis Intervention

Asante Kofi Mendes M.D. - Medical Director at Mind Dynamics LLC

Asante Kofi Mendes, M.D.

Medical Director | Board-Certified Psychiatrist

Dr. Mendes is a board-certified psychiatrist and owner of Vista Behavioral Health with over 15 years of experience in geriatric psychiatry, long-term care psychiatric medicine, and opioid dependence treatment. He provides clinical oversight and direct psychiatric care to patients across Connecticut. Dr. Mendes combines deep medical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach that supports both individuals and families navigating recovery.

Education: MD – Tufts University School of Medicine | Residency – University of Connecticut Health Center

Specialties: Geriatric Psychiatry, Long-Term Care Psychiatry, Opioid Dependence Treatment, Medication Management

Heather F Jacobs LPCA - IICAPS Clinician and Holistic Therapist at Mind Dynamics LLC

Heather F. Jacobs, LPCA

IICAPS Clinician | Holistic & Evidence-Based Therapist

Heather is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with experience in intensive in-home crisis intervention (IICAPS), school-based mental health, substance use treatment, and holistic wellness. She previously served as Wellness Coordinator at Mountainside Treatment Center, where she designed mindfulness and yoga programs for clients in recovery. Heather integrates evidence-based modalities such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing with mind-body practices to support whole-person healing for individuals and families in central Connecticut.

Education: MS Counseling & Human Services – Post University | BA Psychology – Post University

Specialties: Crisis Intervention, School-Based Therapy, Substance Use & Trauma Treatment, Mindfulness & Yoga, Holistic Wellness

Our Approach

Our team works collaboratively using the LEAP Process (Life Extraordinary Approach Process) to address not only substance use but also the emotional, relational, and family patterns that often keep people stuck. We believe that healing happens in relationship, with self, family, and community.

As a VA Community Care Network (CCN) participating provider, we are proud to support Veterans in central Connecticut with partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient detox services tailored to their unique needs.

Ready to speak with our team? Call (860) 743-7646 or verify your insurance coverage today.